Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!đ Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. SRINAGAR: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on Saturday hosted the AI Pre-Summit 2026, focusing on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in rural development. The one-day event was held in HiTech-5 and conducted in a hybrid mode, with over 140 participants joining both in-person and online. It is a part of AI IMPACT SUMMIT - 2026 to be held in India in February 2026.
The summit was organized by the Department of Information Technology in collaboration with FORE Solutions Private Limited, Chandigarh. Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, Director NIT Srinagar, served as the Patron, while Prof. Roohie Naaz Mir acted as Co-Patron. The summitâs organizing committee was headed by Convener Dr. Shabir Ahmad Sofi, HoD of the IT Department.
The event was inaugurated by In-charge Director, Prof. Roohie Naaz Mir, in the presence of Registrar, Prof. Atiqur Rehman. Speaking at the event, Prof. Roohie highlighted the transformative role of AI in shaping the countryâs future, particularly in rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir. She encouraged students to explore AI both as a field of research and a career opportunity and appreciated the IT Department for taking the lead in organizing AI-focused initiatives at NIT Srinagar.
âEvents like this help bridge the gap between research and practical implementation, enabling rural communities to benefit directly from technological innovations,â Prof. Roohie said. Registrar Prof. Atiqur Rahman emphasized the importance of implementing AI for sustainable rural development in J&K.
âThrough initiatives like this, students and researchers can design solutions for agriculture, healthcare, and other critical challenges faced by rural communities,â he said, adding that such events are the need of the hour and assured full support for similar initiatives in the future. Dr. Shabir Ahmad Sofi, Head IT Department and Nodal Officer for the AI Summit, expressed gratitude to the Director and institute administration for supporting the event.
He also appreciated the faculty and staff involved in organizing the summit, highlighting the importance of teamwork in successfully conducting such programs. The AI Pre-Summit 2026 at NIT Srinagar not only highlighted the immense potential of artificial intelligence in transforming rural development but also underscored the instituteâs commitment to bridging the gap between research and real-world solutions.
The summit featured several expert-led sessions. Dr. Sofi delivered the first session, âAI System Design for Rural Development,â focusing on the design and deployment of AI systems to address rural challenges. It was followed by âAI in Rural Agricultureâ by Dr. Saniya Zahoor, highlighting multi-disease prediction and prevention in apple crops in Kashmir.
Afternoon sessions included âRole of AI in Improving Healthcare in J&Kâ by Mr. Mir Yusuf and Mr. Aaqib Zahoor, which discussed AI-driven solutions to healthcare challenges in rural areas. Online registration and technical support for the event were managed by Dr. Bisma Gulzar, with assistance from Mr. Aakil Mushtaq of the IT Department.
